Illustrated Wedding Maps

2018 update: There’s a newer version of this post that you may find interesting! Check it out by clicking here.

I love designing a lot of things — but illustrated wedding maps are on my top five list. I enjoy them because they add personality to a wedding suite without being campy or obnoxious. A lot of clients have been asking what the process for my maps is, and I thought it might be interesting to share with you all as well!

First, a client provides me with a list of 4-6 locations and addresses, along with a brief explanation of the locations’ significance {e.g. “This is our wedding venue.”}. I research these places online to learn a little bit about them, and then I sent the client links to the photos I plan to use as a reference. As an example, the map I am making with you today is of Houston, and the client wanted to include Brennan’s Restaurant on that map. Dually, I sent over a link to this photo of Brennan’s to the client for approval on angle and accuracy.

Once I have approval for all the photos, I create a pencil sketch of the map. I have the client look at the illustration and calligraphy style and the orientation of the locations.

Once the client has approved the pencil sketch, I go over it with pen. I use that itty bitty nib that I am so fond of {the same one I used in my line drawing tutorial} and start creating!

Once I am finished “inking”, I let the piece dry overnight, then I erase the lines. That drying time is excessive, but it’s better to be safe than sorry; and there’s nothing more devastating than a smudged line that could have been prevented.

At this point, the illustrated wedding map design can be left as-is and digitally printed; sent to a letterpress printer; or watercolored. For this map, we are going the watercolor route. The fact that I am watercoloring is the reason that I use India ink — it’s waterproof, unlike many other inks. Even so, it’s vital that the ink is completely dry, or else smudging will occur.

When I paint, I use a brush whose bristles I have cut so the stroke is tiny, tiny, tiny. I love being able to fill in little details.

Painting takes me a few hours because I like to make sure everything is perfect. For example, when I finished this illustrated wedding map, the buildings didn’t stand out to me enough, so I added just a bit of gray behind all the elements so they would “pop” against the faded green background. I also added some calligraphy curls to bring the design together.

At this point, it’s time to work with the map in Photoshop. I always scan my images in to my iMac using a professional printer set to 650 dpi. Then I work within Photoshop to make sure everything is scrupulously perfect. In this map’s case, I wanted the banners to be a little lighter, along with a couple of other changes.

Once I am satisfied with the digital version of the map, I send a proof to the client. If s/he approves the proof, I have the maps professionally printed on 110#C {read: cover weight} paper. Then the illustrated wedding maps are all packaged up and sent to the client to be included in their wedding suites!

These illustrated wedding maps are so much fun to make, and I get to learn a lot in the process about different cities. From creating wedding maps, I know that if I’m in Napa, I need to try Redd Restaurant. A destination wedding map in Mexico taught me that the Casitas de las Flores are a must-see. A recent Greensboro illustrated wedding map informed me that Crafted’s tacos are among the best in North Carolina. As I am learning all this, I think about how excited invitees must be to be able to experience the area, armed with the suggestions on the illustrated wedding maps.

I hope that you enjoyed this post — thanks so much for reading!